Ford Adds New SYNC AppLink Partnerships

by Autos - January 7, 2013

LAS VEGAS, NV – At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Ford will unveil a host of new partnerships for its Ford SYNC AppLink

Kaliki

Thanks to Kaliki Audio Newsstand and Ford SYNC AppLink, commuting time can now be put to better use by consuming some of the compelling newspaper and magazine content that we want to get to, but just never seem to find the time to read.

With Kaliki Audio Newsstand, Ford drivers can stay on top of their favorite news and magazine stories without taking their eyes off the road. Kaliki is a new smartphone app for Android devices that curates the top news stories from major newspapers and magazines and provides an audio version for on-demand playback in the vehicle.

“With people’s lives getting busier and busier, there is unfortunately less time to sit down with your favorite newspaper or magazine and read, so Kaliki reads it to you,” says Bruce Hopkins, vice president of Sales and Business Development for BT Software-Kaliki Audio Newsstand. “What makes Kaliki unique is the fact we have professional voices that read every story, making the content pleasing to the ear, just like listening to your favorite news radio station or podcast.”

Aha

Aha by HARMAN and Ford today announce Ford will offer Aha to drivers via its SYNC® AppLink™ system. Aha’s free service offers more than 30,000 audio stations that Ford SYNC users can tune in to while driving by using simple voice commands.

Aha uses the cloud to safely enable Web-based entertainment and information in vehicles using a radio-like format that is familiar to drivers. With Aha, Ford drivers can use voice commands to access their favorite Internet music services, radio stations, news, entertainment, audiobooks, Facebook and Twitter feeds, customized “Hungry,” “Coffee” and “Hotel” stations, weather and more. Aha continually adds new stations spanning from the most popular mainstream media to unique long-tail content. With so much to choose from, there is something for everyone.

BeCouply

Couples looking to escape another mundane date night driving circles around town might soon find help with a new app that will make it easy to have an exciting social life.

BeCouply, the new location-based suggestion app unveiled at 2013 International CES, makes it easy to discover great date ideas, capture special moments, and connect with other couple friends on the go. The app is being tested with SYNC® AppLink™, Ford’s in-car connectivity and smartphone interface technology, allowing voice-controlled operation while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

“While I’m no expert, it’s clear to me the car can play a critical role in the success of a burgeoning relationship,” said Julius Marchwicki, global product manager for Ford SYNC AppLink. “BeCouply is a terrific idea, and shows how smartphone apps can help add convenience to the driving experience using voice control through SYNC AppLink.”

For many couples, date night begins behind the wheel after picking up their significant other. With SYNC AppLink capability, the BeCouply app can turn a directionless date night into a fun night of bowling or a romantic dinner using SYNC voice control.

The driver simply has to say, “What are some good date ideas nearby?” In response, SYNC lists out suggested date ideas, such as “Have brunch” or “Go bowling.” When a user hears an idea that is of interest, he or she simply asks, “Where can we [go bowling]?” SYNC then lists recommended places to go bowling nearby.

Rhapsody

Rhapsody and Ford today announce at International CES that the leading premium on-demand music service is now available in Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC® AppLink™. Rhapsody listeners with SYNC-enabled cars and trucks can use voice commands and radio buttons on the steering wheel to control the Rhapsody app on their smartphones, making it safe and easy to rock out on the road.

This marks Rhapsody’s first full automotive integration, and a major step forward in the company’s strategy to bring the popular service to the places where listeners spend the most time playing music: in the car and in the living room.

“Everybody loves to listen to music in the car, so making it as convenient as possible for people to enjoy Rhapsody while driving has been a high priority for us,” said Jon Irwin, president, Rhapsody. “We were pleased to work with Ford on this innovative integration. Now our customers have their favorite music within arm’s reach in their cars.”

Rhapsody members are increasingly taking their music on the road. In a recent survey of more than 1,000 Rhapsody members, 40 percent said they listened to Rhapsody in the car, more than any other form of audio entertainment (only 13 percent listen to the radio).